What jobs did men do at home?
One hundred years ago life was hard for working men, with long hours and low pay.
Many worked in mining, shipbuilding and textiles. Others were farmers, shepherds or fishermen.
Richer men with a better education might have worked as doctors or in banking.
Men from the upper class were often rich as they inherited money from their family and owned land. Some became government ministers.
Working in defence
During World War One, lots of jobs were aimed towards keeping the peace at home in Britain.
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Working in industry
Production of weapons, ammunition and war machines increased. This caused some industries such as ship building, steel factories and munitions (the production of weapons) to grow.
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Farming, fishing and shopkeeping
Men worked in the countryside, on the coast and in shops to provide enough food for everyone in Britain and to supply the army.
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What other jobs were needed at home?
Many jobs on the home front were known as 鈥榬eserved occupations鈥. They were vital to the war effort and the men who did them stayed in Britain.
Vicars and priests stayed at home to look after the needs of their communities, though some went to war as chaplains.
Doctors were needed to tend to the sick and wounded in Britain too.
Activities
Activity 1: Quiz 鈥 Men on the home front
Activity 2: History Explorer game
Play this game to test your knowledge and learn even more facts about World War One.
History Explorer: Secrets through time
History Explorer: Secrets through time: KS2 History
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